Edmonton Alberta - Supply chain disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and the flooding in B.C. all factored into rising costs for materials and labour shortages causing the higher-than-expected prices, but costs could go up even higher if construction is further delayed, staff warned.
 
The 50 Street project builds an overpass separating the CP crossing north of Sherwood Park Freeway and road widening of 50 Street from four to six lanes between Sherwood Park Freeway and 90 Avenue.
 
This, the costliest of the three projects, required a $34.3 million top-up on Monday.
 
Overall, costs are up 23.6 percent to $145.3 million, including financial supports from federal and provincial governments.
 
Deputy city manager Adam Laughlin said in a presentation to council this is one of the highest priorities for rail separation in the city.
 
"The crossing is blocked up to 64 times a day, totalling up to five-and-a-half hours per day of delays. The traffic volumes on this corridor are up to 35,000 vehicles per day," he said.
 
City staff were also concerned other major infrastructure projects planned, but where contracts haven't been signed, could also see higher costs.
 
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